Joy Masoff is an award-winning writer and graphic designer who brings excitement and energy to every classroom presentation. By involving each and every student in a variety of participatory activities, from taste-testings to role-playing, Ms. Masoff seeks to instill a sense of adventure and enthusiasm for a subject that many children find daunting-American history. Ms. Masoff created the series CHRONICLES OF AMERICA to bring our country's past to vibrant life. No boring dates and long names to remember-instead, each classroom visit offers a hands-on approach to experiencing life as it once was.

Children will learn about life in a colonial classroom, discover how to play colonial games, sample colonial fare, and learn the manners and morals of long ago. Using wigs, costumes, props, and a lively wit, history will become accessible and fun. And who knows…it just might make learning those names and dates well worth it!

In addition, Ms. Masoff also does in-class programs that relate to her books Fire! and Emergency! What is it like to put your life on the line to save another's life? What simple steps can a child take when disaster strikes? This interactive, informative program offers kids a closer look at the life-saving professions of fire fighting and medicine.

Author's Home: Westchester, New York
Suggested audience: grades 3-7
Maximum number of presentations: 3
Honorarium: $1000.00 per day plus expenses